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Life Events Retirement

I'm turning 65

Health

With regard to Medicare, the decision is yours. Your FEHB coverage will continue whether or not you enroll in Medicare. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost. When you don't have to pay premiums for Medicare Part A, it makes good sense to obtain coverage. It can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses as well as costs to FEHB, which can help keep FEHB premiums down.

Everyone is charged a premium for Medicare Part B coverage. The Social Security Administration can provide you with premium and benefit information. Review the information and decide if it makes sense for you to buy the Medicare Part B coverage.

If you enroll in Medicare, benefits will be coordinated. If you don't enroll in Medicare, your FEHB plan will pay benefits in full. Your FEHB premiums will not reduce if you enroll in Medicare.

You may change your enrollment to any option of any available plan at any time beginning on the 30th day before you become eligible for Medicare. You may make an enrollment change under this event only once.

Note: If you are an annuitant, and either you or your covered spouse has Medicare, Medicare must pay benefits first. Your FEHB plan will pay benefits as the secondary carrier. Visit our website for more information about coordination of FEHB benefits with Medicare.

You can find more information about the benefits and premiums in the chapter on Annuitants and Survivors in the FEHB Handbook.

Dental or Vision

Turning 65 has no bearing on your FEDVIP enrollment or eligibility.

Life

If you are turning 65 years old and you are employed, your coverage continues unreduced. For retirees, your coverage may/may not reduce based on your elections you made at retirement for your Basic and Optional coverages.

Flexible Spending Accounts

This event does not allow you to enroll in FSAFEDS or change a current election.

Long Term Care

This will not affect your FLTCIP coverage. Your coverage will remain in effect as long as you continue to pay premiums.